Dale Dean Helling

May 16, 1946 – September 3, 2021

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Dale Dean Helling, 75, of Springfield went to be with the Lord after an unexpected heart arrhythmia on Sept. 3, 2021.

Dale was born May 16, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Harry and Ruth Helling. He graduated from Yoder High School in Yoder, Wyoming in 1964 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Wyoming. Following college, he was drafted and proudly served his country in the US Army, stationed in Korea.

After his military service, he began his life-long career in the trucking industry. During this time, he met the love of his life, Jeanine (Fankhauser) Helling. They were united in marriage on March 20, 1976, in Cosby. They spent 45 very happy years building a family together.

He devoted his life to his wife, two children and four grandsons. He and Jeanine spent countless hours at the ballpark watching their children play football, baseball, basketball and softball. Seeing his children succeed in sports brought so much joy to his life. Following his retirement, there was nothing he enjoyed more than cheering on his grandsons at their football and baseball games. Dale was an avid sports fan and could be found on Saturday watching his much-loved Nebraska Huskers or watching Lady Bears Basketball.

Anyone who drove by Dale’s home always marveled at his perfectly manicured lawn and beautiful flowers. Later in life, Dale and Jeanine enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii for their 40th wedding anniversary and seeing the fall colors in New England. Dale and Jeanine were lifelong United Methodists, spending the last 30 years as active members of Campbell United Methodist Church. Dale’s faith played a big role in his life, passing down his deep-rooted faith to his children and grandchildren.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruth Helling. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanine Helling, sister, Audrey Corr (husband-Gary) of Torrington, Wyoming, brother Don Helling of Houston, Texas, son Travis Helling (wife-Stephanie Helling) of Mustang, Oklahoma and daughter Melissa Cheek (husband-Steven Cheek) of Springfield. In addition to his two children, he had four grandsons, Gage and Blane Helling of Mustang, Oklahoma and Hayden and Hudson Cheek of Springfield. He is also survived by two nephews, Neal Corr of Powell, Wyoming and Trevor Corr (wife-Stephanie) of Denver, Colorado, along with a host of family and friends.

Visitation and services were held for Dale at the Campbell United Methodist Church in Springfield on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2021. Burial will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Dale Helling’s name to Campbell United Methodist Church or American Heart Association.